Sergino Dest left Ajax for FC Barcelona in a deal worth 26 million euros and since then the American has had a turbulent start to his career at Camp Nou. At the time when Barcelona came calling, the 19-year-old was highly rated and one of the best right-backs in the world. The right back’s move hasn’t turned out as expected with the player being in and out of the team. He hasn’t been able to cement his place in the starting XI mainly due to his defensive woes. Under Ronald Koeman, the fullback managed 2 goals and 1 assist in the 2020/2021 season which was followed by a lot of injuries. Being unable to adjust well to Spanish football, Dest had a tough first season in Blaugrana colours. Fast forward to the present 2021/2022 season, the 21-year-old has shined under new boss Xavi whose style of football philosophy is similar to ex-coach Erik Ten Hag and the freedom to overlap and join the attack has really improved the fullback’s performances.
Despite the recent stellar performances, Sergino Dest has been in the epicenter of quite a lot of rumours stating he will be sold by the club in the summer transfer window or may be used in a swap deal. Leeds United are a club seriously interested in bringing the player to England with Jesse Marsch said to be pushing for a deal. Despite the player playing well under him, Xavi is reportedly not considering using the American in his long term plans and a price tag of 40 million is set for any deal to happen in the summer. Let’s take a look at how this transfer will pan out for Leeds United.
Will Sergino Dest fit into Jesse Marsch’s plans?
Jesse Marsch has deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation in the majority of his matches in charge since taking over from Marcelo Bielsa. He uses a system which involves high pressing and fast fluid football. Dest will be a good fit in the system and his attacking prowess will be a threat to any defence. Marsch instructs his fullbacks to move out wide and forward to support the build-up phase to create avenues to hurt the opponent. Dest’s pace and two-footed abilities will come to good use in this scenario with the player having played a similar role under Xavi and Ten Hag. Currently, the Peacocks have Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas as the only right-backs at the club. Both the players are 30 years old and will need a replacement in the long run. The American connection which would be established between Marsch and Dest will be a positive for both the club and the player helping the player adjust to the new city and culture.
The transfer situation
Chelsea, Manchester City, Roma and Bayern Munich are the other clubs interested in signing the American right-back whose deal at Camp Nou runs until June 2025. Leeds’ relationship with FC Barcelona is reportedly on good terms with the English club signing Junior Firpo from the Spanish club earlier in the season. Joan Laporta, the President of FC Barcelona is keen to strengthen his squad in the summer and is in close contact with Raphinha’s agent Deco for a move at the end of the season. A swap deal between Dest and Raphinha could well be on the cards if the negotiations are successful.
